My favorite sock needles are the Susan Bates Quick Silver. They're not too heavy - & I dont like the wooden ones. After many trials & errors, this is my favorite. I have 1 pair! I went to order another pair & got them & was completely disappointed. The pair I got felt so different that the pair I have. The points were as pointed - they were more rounded (which I dont care for) & they werent even as slick as my originals. They almost had a bumpy feel like sandpaper under the paint. I am so disappointed.
Does anyone know if they've changed their product? I've had my original needles now for about 4-5 years. Does anyone have any older needles that are smooth & pointed that they want to sell or want to trade? I feel like I could panic now & want to guard my only set of needles with my life! You so know I'm going to loose them now!

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"Everything will work out all right in the end, you'll see" - Mrs. Potts

I thought about that - but now, its been a few months - & I cant even remember where I bought them from now. With all the mail orders from different yarn stores, I cant remember which place I got it. They're not too expensive, so I may just try to buy another pair & see what happens. But just didnt know if anyone else noticed they had changed.

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"Everything will work out all right in the end, you'll see" - Mrs. Potts

I love my DPN Quicksilvers, too, especially the small sizes for socks! Although I've had mine a number of years and don't know if they've changed recently, I suspect you just got a defective pair. Be aware, though, that just like most other brands and materials, the surface of the needles does develop a patina over time that seems to make them smoother and even better!
A similar needle is made by Inox (this brand is also marketed under the name "Prym".)

__________________Knitting is more like tying your shoes than it is like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time.